Mojeed Jamiu, the executive editor of Upshot Media, offered his thoughts on the continuing political turmoil in Rivers State on a recent edition of Journalist Hangout on TVC News. At issue were Nyesom Wike's prior comments regarding his position on Siminalayi Fubara's government as governor of Rivers State. Before stepping down as governor, Wike had pledged to take a hands-off approach, allowing Fubara unfettered authority to run the show.
"I'm going to allow him to be," Wike declared, reiterating his commitment to stay out of Fubara's administration's business. Nevertheless, according to Jamiu, Governor Fubara faces hidden problems in Rivers State, even if Wike has publicly promised to do better. Using Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example, he said that not all leaders are as charismatic and astute as him.
A model of effective leadership, Tinubu is renowned for his skill in negotiating tricky political terrains and forging lasting coalitions. On the other hand, Fubara is up against a different set of challenges in his quest to solidify his position and establish his authority inside the state. The writer brought attention to the fact that Fubara is presently dealing with difficult circumstances, such as securing the backing of just four lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The difficulty of encouraging collaboration in such a highly charged setting is highlighted by this scant support. Jamiu noted that Fubara is still hell-bent on establishing his government and defending his position in spite of all these obstacles. The fact that he can find common ground with the few legislators who support him shows that he is making an earnest attempt to negotiate the unstable political climate and establish stable government.
Reiterating what the previous governor had said, Jamiu quoted Wike explicitly and said: "Wike said on the eve of his departure from Rivers that he is not going to disturb Fubara; he said, 'he's going to allow him to be.'" Everyone can't be Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thus it's safe to say he put him there. This remark highlights the intricate power dynamics between the present and previous governors of the Rivers state. It is a microcosm of the larger problems with political succession and with elected leaders' independence in carrying out their responsibilities.